The French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has addressed a rally in Paris. She told her voters to make their own choice in the May 6th presidential election runoff. The two leading candidates - Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande - have been competing for the votes of her supporters.

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As former French president Nicholas Sarcozy is released from detention by French authorities, he denies any wrongdoing and says the country's justice system has been 'politicised', reports Europe Editor James Mates

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy attends the inauguration of the Alzheimer center Pompidou in Nice with Christian Estrosi (L). Credit: Press Association Images

One of the allies of Nicolas Sarkozy has expressed doubts over the fairness and impartiality of one of the magistrates investigating the ex-French president over allegations of corruption.

"I question the impartiality of one of the judges," Christian Estrosi, the mayor of the southern city of Nice told France Info radio, accusing Hollande's government of having whipped up "an atmosphere of hate".

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is being held for questioning over suspicions he received leaked details of an inquiry into alleged irregularities in his 2007 election campaign.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Credit: Reuters

It is the first time a former head of state had been held for questioning in modern French history and is the latest blow to Sarkozy's hopes of a come-back after his 2012 election defeat by Francois Hollande.

The conservative politician denies all wrong-doing in a string of investigations involving him.

Asked about the matter, government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said Sarkozy was "subject to justice like everyone else."